Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A confirmatory blood test that detects 6-monoacetylmorphine, a specific metabolite of heroin, to confirm recent heroin use.
{"6-MAM is a unique marker that confirms heroin use specifically","This is a confirmatory test used after initial drug screening","The test requires a blood (serum) sample","Results can indicate recent heroin use within 24-48 hours","It is more specific than general opioid tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80116-7
- Short code
- 6MAM
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Fld Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum tube or gold top SST
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–90 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 398036007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C) for up to 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC) and what does it measure?
The 6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) test is a confirmatory laboratory test that detects the presence of 6-MAM in your blood. 6-MAM is a unique substance produced when your body processes heroin (also called diacetylmorphine). Unlike other opioid drugs like morphine or codeine, 6-MAM is only created during heroin metabolism, making it a specific marker for heroin use.
Why might my doctor order a complete blood count (CBC) for me?
This test is typically ordered when an initial drug screening test shows a positive result for opioids. The 6-MAM confirmatory test helps determine whether the positive result was specifically due to heroin use or other opioid medications. It is commonly used in drug treatment programs, workplace drug testing, forensic investigations, and clinical settings where accurate confirmation of heroin use is necessary.
How is a complete blood count (CBC) test performed during my visit?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where specialized equipment is used to detect and measure the amount of 6-MAM. The confirmatory method used is typically more accurate and specific than initial screening tests.
What do the results of my complete blood count (CBC) mean for my health?
A positive result indicates recent heroin use, typically within the past 24-48 hours. A negative result means no detectable 6-MAM was found in your blood at the time of testing. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of your medical history and the reason for testing.
Reference range
Negative/Not Detected (<10 ng/mL)N/A
No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any prescribed or over-the-counter medications, as certain substances may interfere with testing. Provide complete medication history including opioids and derivatives.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 6-MAM test has high clinical importance because it distinguishes heroin use from other opioid medications. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis in addiction treatment, pain management, and forensic toxicology. The presence of 6-MAM confirms heroin exposure specifically, as it is not produced by the body under normal circumstances and is not a metabolite of prescription opioids.
Frequently asked questions
How long does heroin stay detectable in this test?
Will pain medications cause a positive result?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Is the test confidential?
Sources
- 1LOINC Code ReferenceSource
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy